A businessman has survived an apparent James Bond-style assassination attempt using 12 remote-controlled shotguns hidden behind a car numberplate.

In a scene that could have come straight out of a 007 movie, Radovan Krejcir dived for cover as the guns were activated on the parked red Volkswagen Cross Polo moments after he stepped out of his Mercedes car.

Minutes later the Polo car exploded in flames.

Police are now investigating the botched attempt on the Czech national's life in Bedfordview, Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Pictures show the burnt out remains of the Polo car, which was reported stolen in April, and Mr Krejcir's bullet-ridden vehicle, showing just how close to death he came.